2025–26 Champions League Knockout Playoff Draw Revealed: Complete Match List
Following an extensive league phase, the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League has reached a pivotal moment. Over five months, teams competed in 144 matches, culminating in 487 goals, reshaping the tournament landscape.
Teams Departing the Tournament
This season has seen notable exits, including former champions Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, as well as the reigning Serie A champions, Napoli. These teams faced early eliminations alongside Marseille, challenging the dominance of historical giants.
Knockout Playoff Structure
The knockout playoffs are crucial for teams finishing between ninth and 24th place in the league phase. These matches will determine the final participants in the round of 16. The playoff fixtures will take place over two legs in February.
Key Participants
The knockout playoffs feature an impressive lineup:
- Paris Saint-Germain (Defending champions)
- Real Madrid (Most successful club in history)
- Inter Milan
- Newcastle United
- Juventus
- Atlético Madrid
Fixtures for the Knockout Playoffs
The first legs of the playoffs are scheduled for February 17 and 18, with the second legs on February 24 and 25. Specific dates and kickoff times will be confirmed by UEFA soon.
First Leg Matchups
| Home Team | Away Team |
|---|---|
| Monaco | PSG |
| Galatasaray | Juventus |
| Benfica | Real Madrid or Inter |
| Borussia Dortmund | Atalanta |
| Qarabağ | Newcastle |
| Atlético Madrid | Club Brugge |
| Bodø/Glimt | Real Madrid or Inter |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos |
Second Leg Matchups
| Home Team | Away Team |
|---|---|
| PSG | Monaco |
| Juventus | Galatasaray |
| Real Madrid or Inter | Benfica |
| Atalanta | Borussia Dortmund |
| Newcastle | Qarabağ |
| Atlético Madrid | Club Brugge |
| Real Madrid or Inter | Bodø/Glimt |
| Bayer Leverkusen | Olympiacos |
Round of 16 Matchups
The round of 16 will take shape following a draw on February 27. The winners from the knockout playoffs will be paired with the qualified teams. The fixtures are set for March 10, 11, 17, and 18.
Qualified Teams
Here’s a look at the teams and their upcoming opponents:
- Barcelona or Chelsea vs. Winner of PSG or Newcastle vs. Monaco or Qarabağ
- Liverpool or Tottenham vs. Winner of Juventus vs. Galatasaray or Atlético Madrid vs. Club Brugge
- Sporting CP or Manchester City vs. Winner of Real Madrid or Inter vs. Bodø/Glimt or Benfica
- Arsenal or Bayern Munich vs. Winner of Atalanta vs. Borussia Dortmund or Bayer Leverkusen vs. Olympiacos
As the knockout phase approaches, anticipation builds across the football community. Fans eagerly await to see which teams will advance to the prestigious round of 16.
